Eukaryotic Cells and Microorganisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to eukaryotic cells and microorganisms, their structures, classifications, and features.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell that possesses internal membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically unicellular.

Eukaryotes

Organisms composed of one or more eukaryotic cells, classified under the domain Eukarya.

Protists

A diverse group of single-celled and multicellular organisms within the kingdom Protista, both autotrophic and heterotrophic.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that are primarily multicellular (molds) or unicellular (yeasts) heterotrophs that do not perform photosynthesis.

Helminths

Parasitic roundworms and flatworms that are classified as eukaryotes and can infect hosts.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that protrude from the surface of cells and are used for motility in some eukaryotes.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures unique to eukaryotic cells that aid in cell movement.

Glycocalyx

A sticky outer layer of carbohydrates, glycoproteins, and glycolipids that covers many eukaryotic cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically unique gametes.

Mitosis

A type of asexual reproduction in eukaryotic cells that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in the synthesis and transport of macromolecules, including rough (RER) and smooth (SER) types.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that processes, packages, and transports proteins and lipids.

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles that are the sites of ATP synthesis in eukaryotic cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers in eukaryotic cells that provides shape and facilitates intracellular transport.